Don’t stop buying Kanye West’s records because he bullied a 19-year-old girl Sunday on stage at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Stop buying his records because they’re really not very good.

The episode in which West jumped on stage at the VMAs after Taylor Swift began her acceptance speech for the Best Female Video award to say Beyonce should have won has been unanimously criticized by music fans and artists alike – Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry and even by Beyonce.

But why start boycotting Kanye now? This was at least the third time he’s pulled this kind of stunt and gotten away with it. The only difference is that he picked on a teen-aged girl.

Kanye West's music makes me double over, too

Blame MTV for that. Why didn’t they stop his trades before? And why couldn’t MTV send security guards to stop West this time? When Rage Against the Machine bassist Tim Commerford in 2000 scaled a prop behind the podium while Fred Durst and Limp Bizkit accepted their award for Best Rock Video, a security team rushed him offstage, and he was charged with assault and resisting arrest.

After the incident, people called West “a typical thug.” But he’s no thug. He’s a wannabe. His mother was a college professor and he had a comfortable suburban life. A real thug would kick his butt. And a real thug wouldn’t go crying to Jay Leno and let Jay pat his knee as he did.

But that’s how West has always been. So don’t use it as an excuse to stop buying his records now.

Here why you should stop buying his records: He’s no singer, either. His early hits were novelties in which he electronically altered background singers’ voices. Once that got old, his records got progressively weaker. Watching him singing aside of Jay-Z on Leno Monday was like watching a little boy toddle around after his big brother.

I will no longer read anything you write after saying Kanye's music is bad when you consistently praise the Jonas Brothers and countless other Disney artists on this blog. That's straight up offensive. What are you thinking? "The College Dropout" and "Late Registration" are two of this decade's pop culture MASTERPIECES - and almost every critic worth something has said as much. That's why they're writing for esteemed publications. Look, Kanye does have an ego and in no way am I defending what he did at the VMAs (although it's been blown way out of proportion in the aftermath), but you CAN'T deny the mark he's left as an artist on hip hop and popular music. You simply can't. When the Jonas Brothers or Demi Lovato write or produce something as groundbreaking as "Jesus Walks" or "Through the Wire", and tries something as innovative as the entire "808's and Heatbreak" album, THEN you can speak. Until then, I can't respect your opinion or credibility as a music writer.

Posted By: faceplant | Sep 16, 2009 11:04:23 AM

Hey faceplant. You would not know a masterpiece if it bludgened you over the head!

Posted By: Big Daddy | Sep 16, 2009 12:12:29 PM

Kanye IS a thug. Can you imagine if a WHITE guy did that to a black teenager or young person, like Rihanna? OMG...it would be the start of a race riot. Kanye belongs in prison with all the other gangsta thugs just like him. Human pieces of sh*t...that's all they are.

Posted By: Tha TROOF | Sep 16, 2009 12:22:06 PM

I love when people who know nothing about hip hop comment on it. Kanye is an azz who brought this on himself but he makes good music for his audience. I'm sure anyone who likes Jonas Brothers probably doesn't like Hip Hop...

Posted By: Wow | Sep 16, 2009 12:25:35 PM

Let's get this straight - Kanye West's music isn't terrible, it's just terribly overrated. You really think that "College Dropout" and "Late Registration" are masterpieces? Try picking up Tupac's "2pacalypse Now" or "Strictly 4 My Ni**az" or Biggie's "Ready to Die". Those, my friend, are hip hop masterpieces. What Kanye puts out is watered-down pop for the teeny-bopper crowd - the same kiddies buying the Jonas Brothers' records.

Posted By: Raekwon | Sep 16, 2009 12:48:34 PM

Rap may be an Art Form, but music? In any case, the only truthful thing to come out of Obamas mouth since he took office, was when he called him a jacka$s for his remarks

Posted By: dying america | Sep 16, 2009 12:56:49 PM

I agree with Raekwon, while I dont think Kanye is the worst rapper, he is overrated. I personaly wouldnt buy an album of his cuz I think he is whack! MTV is partially to blame for letting him in. But whatever.

Posted By: doesitmatter | Sep 16, 2009 1:24:02 PM

I think it is time that the hip hop artists realize that the whole hip hop scene is getting old or actually it is old There is a new generation of kids starting to buy music now and most of them want the return or rock and heavy metal as many of their parents grew up in the 80's when all the hair metal bands ect was big they heard the stories of how concerts in the 80's were wild and fun all out parties a true concert no one cares anymore about the ghetto thug life and all that depressing stuff plus these are tough times now for alot of people and people just want that little escape with some real kick butt fun music also no one cares about how many diamonds you have or if you have a Bently ect.Were basicly these rap artists brag about how stupid you are for buying the music that made them the money.So with that said I hope these rappers banked their money because their time is almost over.(I hear LIL KIm is in dept for a million dollars no more diamonds for her!)and that fact that Taylor Swift won that award and she sings country is amazing and she truly desrves it.

Posted By: JR | Sep 16, 2009 1:32:56 PM

I am a white guy in my 30's. I have legally purchased all of Kanye's cds' to date. That is over now that I get to see how he truly feels. The president thinks he is a jackass. Now, I do too.

Posted By: Former Kanye Fan | Sep 16, 2009 2:06:16 PM

I think Kanye's first two albums were great, but once he started going all crazy with the auto-tone sh!t, I lost interest.

That being said, he should try a career as a spokesperson for Vagisil because he is a class "A" douche, and not just for what he did to Taylor Swift.

Oh, and Big Daddy? Kanye is getting plenty of flack for what he did, and I feel if the role was reversed, and it was Rihanna getting the award and (let's say) Asher Roth crashing the stage, the backlash will be similar. Quit trying to make this about race, because it's not.

Posted By: K Peezey | Sep 16, 2009 2:54:43 PM

It's about RUDENESS, and a lack of self-control and self-discipline on thug Kanye's part. Leno called him out...his mother would have been appalled. Asher Roth wouldn't crash the stage because he's NOT a thug. Kanye is a thug, and heck yeah, if a white guy would have done this to Rihanna, it would have totally been about race. Why did Kanye get so agitated? Because a lily-white beautiful singer won out over one of his friends, who happened to be black. Do the math, and take your head out of the sand!

Posted By: Tha TROOF | Sep 16, 2009 3:23:22 PM

Kanye's music is NOTHING special and he is immature and irresponsible! His record label should drop him because he makes THEM look bad!
Go away Kanye.

Posted By: Peyton | Sep 16, 2009 3:34:07 PM

Better yet. Why don't we just tune out completely from MTV? They've become a dumping ground for thugs and bad musicians who are nothing more than spoiled rotten brats and complete losers. People who actually have any talent - like Taylor Swift - should know that if they go on MTV shows, they're likely to have some loser thug try to stand them up. Beyonce showed real class. Let's hope she continues to do so and leaves the MTV Video Awards (which by the way, nobody cares about) behind.

Ah Kanye was just trying to have a little fun. Give him a break. He's a creative rapper.

Posted By: kool dude 25 | Sep 16, 2009 4:53:50 PM

People who try to bring race in this are way off base. He would have done the same thing no matter who it was. And he's done these types of stunts b4. And how many times has that same thing happened at an awards show? countless, but now all of a sudden this is such news, whatever. Ricj ruben did the same thing when the beastie boys lost out to will smith. And Rick was right. eminem for best rap video this year? Yeah ok.

Posted By: chill | Sep 16, 2009 5:32:57 PM

MTV LOVED this. Look at all the publicity they're getting. Guaranteed Kanye is at the next awards show, and guaranteed millions of people tune in to see what he does next.

Posted By: nilla | Sep 16, 2009 6:02:40 PM

I don't think he is talented at all. What a jerk too. I have never bought his records and never will.

Posted By: K.C. | Sep 16, 2009 6:27:43 PM

I think what he did was just dis respectful. He has no sence of anything in life and in the near future he will another dead beat has been. No one cares why he did what he did because everyone knows that its just because he is an ignorant person and always has been.

Posted By: Sean | Sep 16, 2009 7:14:33 PM

It might have been rude but it was the VMAs. Recently they have been like this. Look at the host. Last year they were picking on the Jonas Brothers for having values--something so lacking in today's society that it is seen as odd. Jordin Sparks spoke up for them. Everyone talked about it. This year Kanye voiced his opinion. Beyonce spoke up for her. Everyone talked about it. But Taylor didn't laugh it off. She wants everyone to feel sorry enough for her to buy more of her records. MTV loves controversy. This is what they got. They will probably ask Kanye to present or co-host next year.

And your wrong, I really like the Jonas Brothers music. I also like good hip-hop, country, jazz, and many other styles of music. Different genres and different musical tastes do not mean that one is bad and one is good. The word is different.

Posted By: janey | Sep 16, 2009 7:15:47 PM

Hey- I LOVE the Jonas Brothers, whoever insulted them up there. I also really like Kanye. I actually started to listen to Kanye after Joe from the Jonas Brothers talked highly of his music, so I checked it out and I like Kanye a lot too (no, I don't like everything the Jonases recommend, they once also recommended Tokio Hotel), he puts on a great live show. He's a character and his whole persona is like performance art.

Was the Taylor Swift thing "rude"?...sure, in theory. But I do believe it was a typical MTV stunt. I can't take it SERIOUSLY. He's known for this type of behavior...it's a big deal now because the "victim" was Taylor Swift. Sorry, don't buy it. Maybe if I cared more about her as an artist....but I don't.

So I now feel like two of my favorite pop artists - the too-good boys and the too-bad guy - are two of the biggest pariahs in the mainstream. Meh, I don't care; both are great live and I'm proud to appreciate them, no matter what the MSM has to say.

Posted By: Linnie | Sep 16, 2009 7:48:58 PM

Anyone who calls Kanye West a "thug" is most likely a racist, idiotic, uneducated moron. Expand your vocabulary and thinking and judge people as individuals. Stop acting like a prejudiced Loser.

Now--- what Kanye did was dead wrong, and I do not admonish him for it one bit. He was classless and should be reprimanded by the industry. I'm glad that Beyonce handled things the way she did. That young woman deserved her time in the spotlight without the egotistical Kanye acting like a fool yet again.

I'm curious to wonder if the same people lashing out against Kanye lashed out equally against Joe Wilson. To think, people have so much passion about this meanwhile our President was disrespected in such an unprecedented fashion. To those hypocrites, I say get over your predjudice, hate and jealousy. I have comfort knowing that God will be your ultimate judge one day.

Posted By: DDF | Sep 16, 2009 8:00:41 PM

I actually meant to state that I do admonish him EVERY bit for it. No excuse for his actions...

Posted By: DDF | Sep 16, 2009 8:06:49 PM

I never listened to his music nor do I care to. What he did was totally unacceptable. Yes we all saw him on Jay Leno..did I cry with him..I don't think so..thought his mother had raised him better. I am sure she wouldn't be happy with this kind of nonsense. Get a life and learn to respect because you sure as hell aren't going to get it from the public if you keep up these immature antics.... No shame......

Posted By: Shannon | Sep 16, 2009 8:52:30 PM

Also it wasn't his fault because he was drunk. Drinking makes people not responsible for their actions.

Posted By: kool dude 25 | Sep 16, 2009 9:47:22 PM

I'm totally disgusted with all of them ... Kanye's behaviour was appalling but so was the Jonas brothers on Monday night at the Four Seasons. They surrounded themselves with bullies and prevented anyone including kids to take their picture. These idiots forget why they became famous ... dah - their fans!

Posted By: Disgusted | Sep 16, 2009 10:41:46 PM

OMG are you kidding me Kanye West is the best rapper out there. He actually raps about important things. Those who say they have never bought his albums cant judge his music. you all call him a thug wtf you dont know him as a person. He had th balls to go up there and speak his mind i admire him for that. Taylor swift also shouldnt have won she sings about stupid things. Then you bring up the Jay Leno show, Jay was way off when he started the what would youre mom think its like wtf shes dead and you bring her up for this. I mean taylor Swift cried cause she got interrupted, Kanye cried not because he said what would his mom think but because he was thinking about his mom. So everyone should calm down its just a stupid speech its not like anyone cared bout her speech i sure as hell didnt

Posted By: Alex | Sep 17, 2009 1:16:41 AM

This idiot needs to be shut up but good. Three plus strikes and your out. As for the corporations that continue to associate themselve with him, you will also feel the bashlash from this idiots mouth. As for the people who continue to support Kanye. What you are saying is that you condone his behavior and shame on you. The fool needs a healthy dose of humble pie. Once this over Little Mr Big Briches won't have much to say.

Posted By: KJF | Sep 17, 2009 1:33:04 AM

Its apparent no one here actually knows hip-hop music or kanye west. He acted like an asshole here, thats a given. It was rude and uncalled for. It had nothing to do with race, though you love to manipulate it to be whatever you want. And an apple for the fuck up there that quoted off a couple pac albums and a biggie album. What did u pick up a Vibe once? Its alot bigger than those two artists that died over 10yrs ago and there was the 15yrs before them too dick. And for the degenerate that said hiphop is on its way out cuz people of tired of the diamonds. The genre's alot bigger than what ur closed mind sees on MTV hears on the radio or whatever. Attack what u don't understand and are scared of. And I bet u wouldn't say it in person either. Bitch. Go to ur fucking big hair concerts like ur parents. U ever heard of Parliament. Nevermind, ignorance.

The people on here that say hip-hop is going away are very funny. We have been hearing that since the 80's brother. It's because of white America that hip-hop is so big. You have whites dressing like us now for the past 10 years. That said, Kanye is a moron for doing that to a nice young singer. Taylor is only going to get bigger because of this. Before you guys start dissing the hip-hop world. What about a round of applause for what Beyounce did. That was a great thing and to me overshadowed what goofball Kanye did. Still Kanye still have two very good albums under his belt and that dude he dropped months agao.

Posted By: BIGJUN | Sep 17, 2009 5:57:18 AM

What Kanye West did was Reverse Racism! It's time for white america too wake up, understand that racism in America is a two way street.

Kanye West is not a thug. as stated earlier, he had a very comfortable life. he's like any other 'child' that feels they need to act out for people to notice them. young-adults with dignity and respect (Taylor, Beyonce, Katy, etc.) have no problem realizing that. His music IS good, however his attitude and the fact that once Michael Jackson passed he declared himself the "King of Pop" REALLY turns his fans off. and it truly should. his mother is looking down on him and i'm sure is VERY disappointed in her little boy.

Posted By: Not Suprised | Sep 17, 2009 10:07:29 AM

thats ok i would never buy any of his music anyway.. Just another rap star who thinks the world really gives a sh!t what he thinks. If it wasnt for the money he makes(and less now after this incident) he would be nothing but city trash standing in a welfare line somewhere blaming the "man" for all of his problems.

Posted By: AngrySockMonkey | Sep 17, 2009 12:01:37 PM

BIGJUN: C- on your trolling efforts

Posted By: One Swarthy Troll | Sep 17, 2009 12:19:15 PM

To uclownz, whos probably a 14 year old wannabe who thinks Kanye invented rap music: why are you so angry? All I said was Kanye is overrated. I never said he was bad, I was simply stating that neither of the albums that the previous poster referenced were "masterpieces", and I gave examples of albums I thought (and most industry people, including your boy Kanye) were great albums. If you think "Jesus Walks" is a better song than "Brenda's Got A Baby" you should stick to top 40. By the way, I've been listening to hip hop since the 80's. Other great albums that likely came out before you were born include Eric B & Rakim "Follow The Leader" NWA's "Straight Outta Compton" and Slick Rick's "the Great Adventures of Slick Rick".

Posted By: Raekwon | Sep 17, 2009 2:07:31 PM

Kanye is NOT creative... and he doesn't come up with his own 'music', he rips off upcoming artists and claims it as his own. Hip hop can be great, but it can also be terrible... Kanye is just experiencing delusions of grandure, and should probably just get help instead of wasting any more money or time trying to make more records.

Posted By: nope | Sep 17, 2009 2:49:17 PM

Your an idiot!!

First off Tokio Hotel are phenomenal, creative and not afraid to take risks!
Second - boycotting only gives someone attention

Posted By: shrealle | Sep 17, 2009 10:36:54 PM

You don't know anything about music, especially hip hop, if you think Kanye West's music isn't good. You need to start listening to something other than Miley Cyrus

Posted By: dee | Sep 19, 2009 2:27:36 AM

There are so many things wrong with what Kanye did.I don't think he realized how well supported Taylor Swift is; he underestimated her popularity.Therefore, he tried to take advantage of the situation with expectations of total impunity and support. Boy, was he wrong or what? Although his music really is overrated, after what he's done to Taylor, and may I remind you she is only 19, I can't help the fact that i just don't feel like listening to his music anymore. It is just not right to offend anybody as he did, and doing so live before millions of viewers could have done nothing but murder her confidence! I'm 14 and I can't imagine how destroyed my sister(19) would be if she ever went through anything remotely similar. Celebrity or not, Taylor is only a girl. His music was fine for a while I suppose, but I don't feel his music will be missed. It was catchy while it lasted and I will honestly feel pity for him if this means some sort of fall for him, but we must be responsible for our own actions. I hope he can apologize to Taylor personally and perhaps then we can ease our disappointment in his stupidity, but I don't expect his career to reach the heights it had previouly achieved once more.
Good Luck to Kanye!
Lots of love and support to Taylor!!
God forgives, but have we learned to do the same?

Posted By: Cici | Sep 20, 2009 12:04:28 AM

Linnie: "Anyone who calls Kanye West a "thug" is most likely a racist, idiotic, uneducated moron. Expand your vocabulary and thinking and judge people as individuals. Stop acting like a prejudiced Loser."

GTFO! Kanye -is- a thug, and look at you- rushing to the defense of a total douche like a complete and utter asshat. Get over yourself.

Screw Kanye, never bought any of his "music"- never will.

Posted By: mike | Sep 21, 2009 7:52:04 AM

I have to agree with you that what Kanye West did to Taylor Swift was totally horrible and disgusting. But that's no reason to stop listening to his music. As 'faceplant' said, 'The College Dropout' and 'Late Registration' are 2 of the most amazing pop albums. Kanye produces some really good music. I listen to it all the time. I get his stuff from www.kazaa.com

Posted By: Lucas | Dec 29, 2009 5:49:01 AM

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JOHN J. MOSER has been around long enough to have seen the original Ramones in a small club in New Jersey, U2 from the fourth row of a theater and Bob Dylan's born-again tours. But he also has the number for All-American Rejects' Nick Wheeler on his cell phone, wrote the first story ever done on Jack's Mannequin and hung out in Wiz Khalifa's hotel room.

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JODI DUCKETT: As The Morning Call's assistant features editor responsible for entertainment, she spends a lot of time surveying the music landscape and sizing up the Valley's festivals and club scene. She's no expert, but enjoys it all — especially artists who resonated in her younger years, such as Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Tracy Chapman, Santana and Joni Mitchell.

KATHY LAUER-WILLIAMS enjoys all types of music, from roots rock and folk to classical and opera. Music has been a constant backdrop to her life since she first sat on the steps listening to her mother’s Broadway LPs when she was 2. Since becoming a mother herself, she has become well-versed on the growing genre of kindie rock and, with her son in tow, can boast she has seen a majority of the current kid’s performers from Dan Zanes to They Might Be Giants.

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